Page 73 of Highland Queen

Banquo raised an eyebrow at me.

“Madelaine’s first husband, Allister, was a very cruel man. It was not an easy upbringing,” I explained.

“I’m surprised he would dare be anything but kind to the sister and niece of the king.”

“Perhaps it was different while my father was alive. Afterward…”

Banquo frowned. “I’m sorry for you both.”

I nodded but said nothing more on the matter. It was rare for Banquo and me to find moments alone. I didn’t know how long Banquo would be able to stay, and we would have little chance to talk away from the prying eyes of others. While the timing was not ideal, there may not be another chance.

“Banquo,” I whispered. “I must tell you something.”

Banquo stilled. “Is something wrong? I know you’ve seen some visions you have not shared with me.”

For a fleeting moment, I remembered the image of Banquo with the dagger in his chest. I pressed the memory from my thoughts. “No…” I said then took his hand. “For once, it’s something good, actually.” I set Banquo’s hand on my stomach. “Something unexpected, but good.”

Banquo looked down at his hand then back up at me. “Cerridwen?” he gasped.

“I am with child.”

Banquo stroked his hand across my stomach then stepped back. He shook his head over and over again, his eyes going wide.

“Banquo?” I stepped toward him.

“No, no, no,” he whispered.

“Banquo?” There was strange energy all around him. He seemed to waver in and out of this plane of reality. “Banquo, stop.” I grabbed his arm. “Banquo.”

He gasped loudly then shuddered. “Cerridwen.”

“What happened? What did you see?”

“Oh, Cerridwen,” he said then pulled me into an embrace. He was shaking.

“Our child? Did you see our child?”

“Such strange and prophetic things. Dark omens. Cerridwen…a child.”

“Yes. A child. Tell me what you saw. Was it something about our child? Tell me.”

“No…just dark signs. I don’t know what lies ahead, but there is trouble in our path.”

I nodded. “We will make a plan. We will keep our child safe. I must return to Glamis for a time, only to set some matters of state in order, then I will return to Moray. We will find a way to hide her, protect her.”

“Her?”

I nodded. “Injibjorg. She saw a daughter for us.”

Banquo stepped back then stroked my cheek. “A daughter. You’re going to give me a daughter?”

I smiled softly at him. “Yes,” I whispered.

“Then may all the gods protect her,” Banquo said, touching my stomach gently once more. “May all the gods protect her.”

That night, a funeral pyre was laid out for Tavis. We placed trinkets, food, drink, and items Tavis had loved, alongside him. Madelaine clung to me as we watched Banquo perform the funeral rites.

Dressed in his druid robes, Banquo stood before the pyre. He had painted his face with woad, trimmed his hair with leaves. He stood barefoot, a torch in his hands. The Christian priests who were part of Fife’s entourage were not in attendance, but the Thane and the household staff had come. The Thane of Fife stood on the other side of Madelaine, his hand on her back in loving support. I admired his generous spirit.

---